Define the term liquidity problem (line 111)
Liquidity is how quickly and cheaply an asset can be converted to cash, a liquidity problem is when a country's government or a bank runs short of cash , and has short term debt problems but is secure in the long term.

Teacher's comment: A better answer would be...Liquidity refers to the buisness' ability to pay its debts. A liquidity problem (as identified by either the current ratio or acid test ratio) indicates an inability to pay short term or immediate debts.





Calculate N-Pharma's subsidiary's working capital for both of the years 2008 and 2009.

Working capital = Current Assets - Current Liabilities
Year 2008
Working capital = (190+310+250) – (620+115)
Working capital = 750 – 735
Working capital = $15m

Year 2009
Working capital = (60+350+356) – (630+230)
Working capital = 766 - 860
Working capital = $
(94)m



Using liquidity ratios, comment on N-Pharma's current liquidity position.




Using the data from appendix 2, calculate the liquidity ratios of N-Pharma’s USA subsidiary in the financial years 2008 and 2009.

Year 2008

Current ratio= Current Assets
Current Liabilities

Current assets Current Liabilities

Stock = 250 Creditors = 620
Debtor = 310 Short-term borrowing = 115
Cash = 190
Total = 750 Total = 735

Current ratio = 750
735
Current ratio = 1.02

Acid test (quick) ratio= Current assets – Stock
Current liabilities

Acid test (quick) ratio = 750 – 250
735
Acid test (quick) ratio = 500
735
Acid test (quick) ratio = 0.68


Year 2009

Current ratio= Current Assets
Current Liabilities

Current assets Current Liabilities

Stock = 356 Creditors = 630
Debtor = 350 Short-term borrowing = 230
Cash = 60
Total = 766 Total = 860

Current ratio = 766
860
Current ratio = 0.89

Acid test (quick) ratio= Current assets – Stock
Current liabilities

Acid test (quick) ratio = 766 - 356
860
Acid test (quick) ratio = 410
860
Acid test (quick) ratio = 0.48


Analyse the reasons for the changes in the liquidity ratios of N-Pharma’s USA subsidiary between 2008 and 2009


Explain why organizations such as N-Pharma need working capital

Working capital, which refers to the money that is available for the day to day running of a business, is important as a source of finance because it is needed to pay for everyday costs such as wages, utility bills, and payments to suppliers. In this case it allows N-Pharma to run successfully.


Discuss methods by which N Pharma might use to improve the liquidity position of its USA subsidiary